Business Segments - Segment information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Segment Information
Net sales	$ 7,409	$ 7,578
Operating Income	1,788	1,730
Assets	32,982		$ 32,718
Depreciation and amortization	356	339
Business Segments. | Industrial
Business Segment Information
Net sales	2,576	2,656
Operating Income	617	596
Business Segments. | Safety and Graphics
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,412	1,372
Operating Income	345	335
Business Segments. | Health Care
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,383	1,329
Operating Income	455	408
Business Segments. | Electronics and Energy
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,144	1,324
Operating Income	208	285
Business Segments. | Consumer
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,049	1,048
Operating Income	238	240
Corporate and Unallocated
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1	2
Operating Income	(41)	(100)
Elimination of Dual Credit
Business Segment Information
Net sales	(156)	(153)
Operating Income	$ (34)	$ (34)